Discussion

ISO Tasty Pasta Meals in South OC

I admit, I'm not much of a cook. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a simple but tasty pasta dinner with homestyle red sauce and crusty garlic bread. I'm thinking comfort food, not fancy-pants dining. Any recommendations in South Orange County (Mission Viejo-ish) would be appreciated.

In the meantime, I'm off to try a few OC Restaurant Week offerings, though there didn't seem to be any predominantly Italian places participating.

Try Mario's by the Sea which is in Laguna Niguel just over the border from Dana Point. It is on Golden Lantern in the Ocean Ranch shopping area. They have specials going now for $8 to $10. They also have small plates dinners that are still huge. Try the asparagus appetizer, excellent!

Bogey, just to let you know this is not the old fashioned red sauce and pasta place even though they have it. Its very simple and its where the locals go. Sit in the patio, (no view) order the appetizer I mentioned, dipping your bread in the sauce that comes with it., If you drink, just order the carafe of red wine and I'll tell you that I order the 1/2 order of linguini with clams, extra garlic but that's my option. If you check the menu there are many 1/2 orders or the $8 specials. I've been going there for years even when I lived in Newport. Hope you like it and I'm not making it sound better than it is. Just a good deal. If you go let us know if its ok with you.